"The most important goal in my life is to have some significant impact in preserving and expanding the realm of personal freedom in the life of this country.” Richard D. Obenshain

Three

Well, here we are. Three years and 315 posts later, the Virginia Conservative rides on. These last few years have really flown by. It seems like just yesterday that I started up this blog.

I suppose that with this milestone, it is appropriate to reflect a bit on where we’ve been. I’m pleased to say that the Virginia Conservative has gained considerable notoriety in Virginia’s political blogosphere and beyond. Acceptance into The Jeffersoniad shortly after the blog’s creation, declared a “regular read” by nationally known blogger Erick Erickson of Redstate, quoted in the LA Times, linked to by the Tennessee Republican Party, a guest spot on the Schilling Show, recently creating a piece with input from all five Republican Senate candidates, these are many of my best moments.

Do I strive for even greater things? Absolutely! I’d very much like to be able to take my thoughts to a much wider audience. If I could spend my days doing nothing but talking and/or writing about politics, I would relish such an opportunity. If I could morph into the role of a commentator like a George Will, Walter Williams, Michelle Malkin, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity (minus arrogant rudeness of course), or a Jack Hunter, I would do so without a second thought.

I know what a few of you are thinking, if you don’t see any money from your writing, why do it? Well, life’s not all about the pursuit of wealth now is it? I write because I want to advocate a specific set of political principles. I write because I think it is important. Last, but not least, I write because I enjoy writing.

Of course, any blog worth its salt should never forget its fans and those who take the time to offer worthwhile commentary. After all, although those people don’t write articles here (though if you care to submit a guest piece, please let me know!), they form an important part of the dialogue. I may not reply to every thought you offer, but it is still appreciated.

Therefore, for my third anniversary, I’d like to take a moment to offer a shout out to the most prolific folks of both past and present: Republic of Texas, Mr. Average, Drew, Brent Finnegan, Craig Orndorff, Laura Logie, Zach Thompson, Zeeb, Light Horse, dettmermichael, Seth, True Conservative, Navy Vet, Venu, J. Tyler Ballance, L.A. Castus, Jeremy Aldrich, Citizen Tom, and Matt. Even though I know that many of us agree (and also disagree) on a variety of topics, political discussion is a barometer of a healthy society.

Thanks to those who have joined me for part or all of these last three years. I’m excited to see where we go from here!